 Construction of British Army's magazine on Agar's Island, Bermuda in 1870 | |
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  Agar's Island | |
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Great Sound |
| Coordinates | 32°17′38″N 64°48′32″W / 32.294°N 64.809°W / 32.294; -64.809 |
| Administration | |
| Bermuda | |
| Parish | Pembroke Parish |
Agar's Island is an island of Bermuda. Located in the Great Sound, near to the shore of Pembroke Parish, it was owned by billionaire James Martin, and was historically a secret munitions store, part of the Bermuda Garrison of the British Army.
History
Bermuda had become an Imperial fortress, the primary base, dockyard, and headquarters of the North America and West Indies Squadron of the Royal Navy following the independence of the US. The British Army had consequently garrisoned and heavily fortified the colony.
In the 1790s, when the Royal Navy had begun planning what would become the Royal Naval Dockyard on Ireland Island, it had purchased most of the smaller islands in the Great Sound and Hamilton Harbour. Although the Royal Navy made occasional use of these smaller islands, it was to be the army that would carry out the greatest development on them. Many were used to compose a Prisoner-of-War camp during and after the Second Boer War. Agar's, however, was to see another use.
Although the ring of fortresses operated by the Royal Garrison Artillery held munitions stores in their magazines, central supply depots were also operated by the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, which operated a depot on Ordnance Island, dangerously close to the King's Square of St. George's town. In 1870, a secret, underground powder magazine was built on Agar's Island, reputed to be the largest in the world at that time, although the army remained highly secretive of its existence. The magazine still exists, restored by James Martin, although it is not open to the public.
During the final year of the First World War, the United States Navy was permitted to establish a supply station on Agar's Island, as well as a Naval station on White's Island. These facilities were closed on 1st April, 1919, following the cessation of hostilities.
References
- The Telegraph: The $100 man: Why philanthropist James Martin gave away his fortune
- Private Island News: Futurist James Martin's Historic Bermudan Isle
- "CLOSING OF THE U.S. NAVAL BASE: Fitting Ceremony at Whites Island When the Allied Forces Depart". The Royal Gazette. City of Hamilton, Pembroke, Bermuda. 3 April 1919.
On Tuesday morning, April 1st, an interesting and unique ceremony took place in Hamilton Harbour when the United States nava1 base on White's Island was closed and the American naval establishment which had occupied the island since 1st April, 1918, was withdrawn.
At 11 a.m. His Excellency the Governor, accompanied by his staff, embarked from the Club Steps on the W. D. S. L. "Lord Kitchener" and proceeded to the Island where he was welcomed by Captain R. H. Jackson, U. S. N., Senior Officer present, and his staff; Vice-Admiral Morgan Singer and staff having previously landed on the Island. The whole party then proceeded to the flagstaff where a guard of honour of American bluejackets was drawn up. His Excellency the Governor, having inspected the guard, thanked Captain Jackson for the honour offered to him (the Governor) in mounting the guard on this occasion. Captain Jackson, addressing His Excellency, said:
"Your Excellency: I now hand over this Island and Agars Island which have been utilized by the American Navy in this Colony for the maintenance of its organization in the war which we have been privileged to wage side by side with the British nation
"We have received throughout our stay here the most cordial assistance and support at all times and in all our duties.
"When the history of this war comes to be written no feature of it will prove to be of more lasting significance than the close and effective cooperation between the British and American nations in the great fight now happily concluded for justice, humanity and peace."
The American flag was then lowered to the sound of the general salute, all present standing at the salute during the lowering of the colours.
His Excellency in reply said:
"Captain Jackson. I appreciate most heartily the kind words you have spoken. It has been a great pleasure to us to have you in our midst and I thank you for the unfailing courtesy and ready help which we in these Islands have invariably received from your great Navy.
"I recall with pleasure that it was my privilege on the 4th of July last to entertain a large contingent from the American Navy at Government House, a memorable occasion which will ever remain among my proudest recollections, an occasion which was a signal example of the close and abiding friendship between two great branches of the Anglo Saxon race - a friendship which we pray will last for ever, and which no enemy can withstand.
"I thank you warmly for the honour you have done me in mounting this guard on this occasion. You carry away with you the best wishes of all the inhabitants of these Islands and I wish you and all officers and men of the United States Navy Godspeed and good fortune where ever your duties may call you."
After the lowering of the flag His Excellency and staff, Vice-Admiral Morgan Singer and staff followed Captain Jackson on board the U. S. S. Tallahassee, which had been anchored in the harbour between the Club Steps and White's Island, and were piped "over the side" with the usual naval honours.
Cordial farewells were exchanged and upon the Governor leaving the ship a salute of 17 guns was fired.
Immediately upon the conclusion of the salute the Tallahassee weighed anchor and steamed out of the harbour. Captain Jackson later embarked on the U. S. S. Chattanooga, which after saluting the Vice-Admiral on this station with 15 guns, proceeded to sea, firing a salute of 21 guns as she passed the Ducking Stool, The land Saluting Battery near that point returned this salute with a similar number of guns.
It is the first time in Bermuda's history that a government of an alien nation has been granted authority to establish a base in this colony.
In order to meet various exigencies the establishment was opened shortly after the United States declared war on Germany. During its occupation, White's Island, Agar's Island, and other places have been under the control of the naval authorities, a number of naval units being stationed at each place.
The existence of this base has been a boon to Bermuda in several ways, and Bermudians generally will regret its closing down and the departure of Uncle Sam's naval forces from the Colony.